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Our companion animals are marvels of nature and anatomical quirks. Let’s delve into some distinctive traits on their legs, paws and claws below!
Digital Pads: Built for Speed and Endurance
A digital pad cushions each toe to support weight and facilitate movement. These leathery pads, made of fatty tissues and epidermis (skin), protect against cold and rough terrains. They play a crucial role in distributing pressure evenly, aiding swift and agile movements.
Dew Claws: Those Enigmatic Extra Digits
Both cats and dogs may have dew claws, a vestigial feature (a body part that has lost most or almost all its original function through evolution) resembling a thumb but not serving the same purpose.
In dogs, dew claws may help with:
- Gripping objects or
- Gaining traction during turns, especially in active breeds.
In cats, dew claws aid in climbing and holding prey. Not all dogs have them; some are removed in young puppies to prevent them from being torn, broken or overgrown.
Carpal and Metacarpal Pads: Traction and Shock Absorbers!
Carpal pads are thick, fat, keratinous (a type of protein called keratin) growths. Located near the wrist joint, they act as brakes and shock absorbers! They provide stability on slick surfaces, absorb shock during abrupt stops and help maintain overall balance.
Meanwhile, the metacarpal (front) and metatarsal (hind) pads are central paw pads acting like the soles of human feet. These pads:
- Cushion the animal’s weight.
- Protect delicate tissues; and
- Provide insulation from extreme temperatures.
These pads contain sweat glands, which are responsible for the distinctive “corn chip” smell (aka “Frito Feet”) most dog owners recognize. (This happens when the natural bacteria living on your dog’s paws combine with sweat and moisture, creating a yeasty smell.) (Source: AKC.org)
Horses Have Something Similiar!
While modern horses do not have functional carpal pads, they do have “vestigial carpal pads” known as “chestnuts” or “night eyes.”
Chestnuts are hard callouses (small or large) protruding from the lower leg (above the front knees and below the hind hocks). They are similar to the carpal/tarsal pads of dogs and cats. (Source: Kentucky Equine Research)
In addition to chestnuts, another vestigial growth, called an ergot (the French word for Rooster’s Spur), is found on the back of a horse’s four legs but is usually covered with hair.
(Courtesy: GeoBerTrond, Wikipedia.org)
Both chestnuts and ergots are normal growths on horses. According to Cowboy Way, “In the scientific community, chestnuts and ergots are generally accepted to be the vestigial “toes” of Eohippus, an early ancestor of the modern horse that lived roughly 50 million years ago.”
Cat Herders Day is December 15th!
It recognizes and celebrates people with jobs (or lives!) similar to herding cats!
“Herding Cats” is an idiom describing a situation that is chaotic or uncontrollable …. like herding cats!
Conclusion
Our pets’ unique anatomy reflects their evolution and adaptation to various environments. By understanding these features, we can better appreciate their incredible capabilities and ensure they stay healthy and happy.
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